Sunday, September 18, 2016

When to Have Kids’ Eye ExamsAt Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center we are often asked about the best time to have kids’ eyes screened, examined and evaluated for eye health and vision problems. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that your child's eyes be screened for problems at birth, by 6 months of age, at 3 to 4 years of age, at 5 years of age, and every following year. Getting your kids eyes checked and screened regularly is critical for finding any issues that should be caught treated early. In most instances it may not actually be necessary for your child to have an exam with an eye doctor as your pediatrician can do the initial screenings at the routine well child visits. However, for preemies or if there is any family history of childhood eye problems it’s probably a good idea to bring them in to see us and we might recommend more frequent or more detailed exams

Monday, September 12, 2016

Thyroid Eye ProblemsDid you know that having thyroid disease can cause eye problems? And, thyroid eye problems can be quite different depending on your age. In general, younger patients under the age of 40 are more likely to have thyroid eye disease characterized by “eye bulging”, clinically called proptosis, along with a retraction or “pulling back” of their eyelids. Older patients, those above 40 years old are more likely to have thyroid eye disease characterized by double vision or “diplopia” from eye muscle problems as well “optic neuropathy” or damage to their optic nerve. In most cases younger patients have milder signs and symptoms of eye problems.

If you or someone you know has thyroid disease or experiences any of the signs or symptoms of bulging eyes, double vision or reduced vision, it is important to immediately schedule an eye exam and share your diagnosis of thyroid disease with your eye doctor or the symptoms you are experiencing. Please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Macular Degeneration Risk: Diet, Lifestyle & GenesUnhealthy lifestyles that include smoking, high levels of alcohol consumption, high fat diets and other vascular risk factors are known to contribute to your risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Further, we also know that those with a family history of AMD are even at additional risk. Recently a study published in Ophthalmology told us about the further risk that you might experience if you actually have a genetic predisposition. The results showed that odds of developing AMD were 3.3 times greater if you had both unhealthy lifestyle behaviors in combination with high genetic risk as compared to those who had low genetic risk and healthy lifestyles. This shows the powerful negative effect both your genes and lifestyle can play in your risk of developing age related macular degeneration (AMD).

If you or someone you know has a family history of AMD and demonstrates unhealthy lifestyle behaviors it is important to have a comprehensive eye exam on a regular schedule recommended by your eye doctor, at which you clearly make the doctor aware of your risk factors and concerns. Please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.

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Scott Buck, M.D.

Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, LASIK & Cataract Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. is the Founder of Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center, P.C. Dr. Buck earned his Medical Degree at Indiana University School of Medicine followed by a Residency in Ophthalmology at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Buck provides examination, consultation and treatment for eye diseases as well as Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK Eye Surgery for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In addition, Dr. Buck provides implants (IOL) for the correction of astigmatism and near vision after Cataract Surgery. Further, he has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface problems such as dry eye and dry eye syndrome and takes personal pride in providing patients with help for dry eyes. In addition, Dr. Buck and his staff are committed to helping patients look their best with both non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and gel fillers such as Restylane® and Perlane, as well as cosmetic eyelid surgery such as Blepharoplasty to help with droopy, puffy or saggy eyelids.